Boundary Device Time Synchronization Across Multiple Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network communication technologies, such as IEEE1588V2, cannot implement time synchronization across multiple time domains in a network, limiting the ability to perform time transparent transmission and synchronization between different clock domains.
Innovation Solution
A method where boundary devices in a network receive and transparently transmit synchronization packets carrying time synchronization offsets between different time domains, allowing boundary devices in the same time domain to synchronize with each other, even if they are in different clock domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If BC devices are used for entire-network time synchronization, then time synchronization can be implemented, but multiple time sources cannot coexist and separate synchronization of multiple clock domains cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent clock (TC) device as an intermediary between BC devices in different time domains. The TC device transparently transmits PTP synchronization packets between domains without processing them, enabling multiple time domains to coexist while maintaining time synchronization within each domain. This mediator allows BC devices in different time domains to communicate without directly interfering with each other's synchronization processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TC devices are used to support time transparent transmission, then multiple time domains can be supported, but the TC devices themselves cannot perform time synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of BC devices and TC devices by enabling BC devices to operate in a multi-time domain environment through transparent transmission. The BC devices maintain their time synchronization capability within their own domains while the TC devices provide transparent transmission between domains. This combination allows the system to achieve both multi-time domain support and reliable time synchronization simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a single time source is used for entire-network synchronization, then time synchronization can be maintained, but separate synchronization of multiple clock domains cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple independent time domains, each with its own time source and synchronization process. BC devices are assigned to specific time domains and perform synchronization independently within each domain. The TC devices connect these segmented domains, allowing each domain to maintain its own time source while still enabling overall network synchronization. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both stable synchronization and domain independence.
Data Source
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AI summary
A time synchronization method and apparatus are disclosed. The time synchronization method includes: on the basis that boundary devices in an entire network are all boundary clock BC devices, receiving, by a boundary device of a third-party network side, a synchronization packet that carries a time synchronization offset and is delivered by a boundary device of an upstream network side, where the time synchronization offset is a time offset between a time domain of the upstream network and a time domain of the third-party network; and transparently transmitting, by the boundary device of the third-party network side, the synchronization packet that carries the time synchronization offset to a boundary device of a downstream network side, so that the boundary device of the downstream network side performs time synchronization with the boundary device of the upstream network side according to the time synchronization offset. The present disclosure can implement multiple time domains in a network, and implement time synchronization among the multiple time domains.